The new standard.

SRAM's Red eTap Road Shift Kit has been six years in the making, with its much anticipated reveal to the world finally arriving with the 2015 Eurobike and Interbike trade shows. From the earliest prototypes, eTap's wire-free system hinted at clean lines and a potential to change the way we think about electronic shifting. The final production group doesn't disappoint, setting what will likely become a new standard for the cycling industry with updated ergonomics and impeccable wireless operation. It lets you say goodbye to broken shift cables that leave you stuck in the smallest cassette cog at pivotal moments, shake off worries of errant debris buffaloing a mechanical or electric derailleur cable from its proper placement, and welcome a bicycle free from aesthetically unpleasant shift cable housing.

We got our first look at an eTap prototype a couple of years ago out on the roads of Chicago, where it was not-so-stealthily disguised behind a clunky, fake port box amidst swirling rumors of a SRAM electronic system in development. (We've also seen what looks to be a hydraulic disc version clandestinely running on certain sponsored 'cross machines, but have no official word to relate. Yet.) As mentioned above, the final version has been tidied up quite a bit, eliminating the camouflage to reveal the drivetrain's simple, clean beauty.

At the heart of it all, SRAM's proprietary Airea communication protocol creates a unique, 128-bit encryption code that securely pairs the shifters and derailleurs, resisting both hacking and jamming for worry-free shifting even in a pack of other eTap steeds. Unlike other electronic drivetrains, SRAM's system is closed and does not allow shift reprogramming, which is actually a refreshing dose of user-friendly simplicity in an industry that can occasionally get lost in minutiae. SRAM is confident that the eTap shift logic delivers an optimal shifting experience across road-related disciplines without requiring a host of minor tweaks — an ethos developed and proven by the company's mechanical road and mountain lines.

The so-called brains of the system sit in the rear derailleur, which translates the Airea protocol to drive exacting shifts. Featuring the Exact Actuation technology found in mechanical Red derailleurs, the eTap rear derailleur manages the narrow spacing of an 11-speed cassette for reliable shifting accuracy with every click of the lever. It also allows for multi-gear shifts with an extended depression of the shift lever, so it's spry enough to help you respond to any sudden attacks. The front derailleur boasts SRAM's Yaw technology, another carry-over from the mechanical groups. Yaw rotates the cage ever so slightly as the chain runs across the cassette to maintain an optimal chain line and reduce chain rub for quiet, precise shifting and efficient operation across the entire range of gears.

The shifters' bodies look similar to the mechanical Red 22 shifters but carry less weight and a few tweaks for notably more comfortable rides. The entire hood enjoys a smaller profile without all those internal mechanical workings, allowing a more ergonomic shape that sits comfortably in your hands without compromising a secure hand/hood interface. Adjustable reach on the levers accommodates a wide variety of rider hand sizes for easy shifting and braking.

The shift paddles sit under the brake levers in a similar position to the mechanical version, but they use eTap's peculiar shifting logic — arguably the most pronounced departure from traditional shifting in decades. The right lever directs the chain down the cassette for a harder gear, the left lever guides it up the cassette for an easier gear, and simultaneously engaging both levers shifts the front derailleur between the chainrings. We suspect this system was built with one-by in mind, but we're also able to adapt to it with a double crankset after just a few minutes of throwing levers. Each shifter also features ports for compatibility with SRAM's separately sold Blip shifters, offering virtually endless potential for shifting access from the drops or the flats.

The front and rear derailleurs each carry their own rechargeable battery pods, which click into place quickly and easily and are interchangeable between the two derailleurs. With their claimed 60-hour ride times, you shouldn't have to worry about losing power, but it's nice to know that if you do forget to charge up and you run out of rear derailleur juice out on the road, a two-second battery swap from front to rear will get you back up and running with full access to the cassette range. SRAM claims that 60-hour run time means a fully charged rear derailleur battery will last over 1000 kilometers or 620 miles, with the front derailleur lasting even longer because of its relative dearth of use compared to the rear.

Each shifter is powered by a CR2032 coin type battery with a predicted lifetime of two years when riding an average of 15 hours per week. To keep tabs on the various battery statuses, each derailleur and shifter features an LED indicator light to communicate battery life, with green, red, and flashing red stages to clearly relay power levels. Each component also incorporates an accelerometer that puts it into sleep mode when stationary to conserve battery, and wakes it up for full functionality when your bike is in motion.

SRAM claims eTap has been extensively tested in a wide range of riding conditions, both in the real world and the lab to ensure reliability; as we mentioned above, we've actually seen evidence of this on the roads and 'cross courses around the country. Given the cold-weather tolerance issues of its first generation hydraulic road brakes, we're particularly pleased to note that SRAM specifies that eTap has undergone testing in its in-house climate chamber, proving the group's reliability in temperatures ranging from -20 degrees up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

The SRAM Red eTap Road Shift Kit comes complete with right and left Red eTap shifters, a RED eTap front derailleur, and a RED eTap short cage rear derailleur compatible with a maximum cassette cog of 28 teeth. The kit also includes an eTap Powerpack for derailleur battery charging and an eTap USB firmware Airea update stick.

The most user-friendly electronic drivetrain to date

Wireless connection unique to each individual pairing

Shifts multiple cogs with one lever throw

Rechargeable derailleur batteries afford 60 hours of runtime

Automatic rest mode engages when bike is stationary

Tested in temperatures ranging from -20 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit

Includes charging pack and firmware update stick

SRAM continues to question even the most basic assumptions about cycling components

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I mean what can you say...

Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer

You don't need it. Mechanical shifting works perfectly well. You have to remember to charge batteries (albeit very, very rarely). It's not much lighter than it's mechanical brethren...

But, oh man, once you've tried it you will never ever ever want to go back. In a word, it's perfect.

I chose eTap over Ultegra Di2 because I don't like wires and I wanted to install it myself. Turns out, it works perfectly on Shimano 11 speed drivetrains as well. I'm pretty handy with a wrench and was able to install it in about 2 hours, including time to re-wrap my bars (which takes me longer than most people).

Setup and adjustment takes about 3 minutes. I did it while watching the SRAM youtube setup video and it worked flawlessy. Once set up, it has never missed a single shift. It is quiet, unobtrusive, reliable, and beautiful on the bike. Bonus, it talks natively to my Garmin Edge 520 so I can see what gear I'm in, what the ratio is, and the battery level so I don't forget to charge. I've been riding on it about 8-10 hours a week for maybe six weeks and my batteries still show full power (it's flat in Illinois so I don't shift too much).

No doubt, this is a pricey upgrade. But I can't imagine better money spent for nothing more than a good feeling.

Comment on Noel's review:

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Love it

On the scale of like it, love it, and gotta have it, eTap should be on everyone's gotta have it list. Smooth, responsive, quiet, and easy to set up. What else can you ask for from a groupset? Only gripe is I do wish the rear would shift slightly faster, other than the it is amazing!

Comment on Todd's review:

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Very Nice!

Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer

I've been riding with Etap for the last month. First, I would like to say I was very impressed with this groupo set. The shifting is flawless, fast and accurate. Little quiet for me but not a big deal. I took it to my bike shop for installation on my Project One Trek Emonda SLR 8. Total build weight was 14.5 lbs. My climbing bike. Charging is a breeze with great battery life. First time ever using sram in the last +5 years I've been cycling and highly recommend upgrading or just purchasing this groupo set. Special thanks to Wes Branham for your help with my purchase!

Comment on Ivan's review:

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Exceptional

Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer

I was blessed to get the only eTap groupset my LBS received in March. The shifting has been precise, responsive, and confident. I quickly became aware of a couple of unexpected benefits. When you need to slow or stop quickly (such as at a red light) it is very easy to shift up to an easy gear while remaining fully in control of braking, making re-acceleration much easier. I noticed a massive improvement in overall shifting precision during a crit race on a technical course that included a 180 degree hairpin turn - I could brake late while still having very precise control of my gear selection, allowing my to stay fast going into the turn and accelerate efficiently coming out of the turn. Since installation I have had to adjust the indexing one time - it was quick & easy to do and worked perfectly. I now also get my gear data from eTap sync'd to my Garmin Edge, which is interesting. Overall I am very happy.

Comment on Brian G.'s review:

Caveat Emptor

Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer

5 stars if it's mounted, but 0 star for incompatibility with several frames:

I bought 2 eTap groups, one for my titanium Seven and one for my wife's Cervélo R3 (2012). The installation on my Seven was really easy, and I love it. The shifters work like a dream, accurate, fast, virtually silent. It is a terrific upgrade.

However, here is the caveat emptor part: the front derailleur mounting position is incompatible with the Cervélo R3 and R5. The braze on hanger is about 7mm too high for the eTap derailleur. After hours of frustrating attempts to mount it, I took the frame and derailleur to my Cervélo dealer, and he confirmed that the two are incompatible. We then measured the front braze on derailleur hanger position on several high end frames (Wilier, Colnago, Cervélo, etc.) and it was also positioned too high on them too!!

I called SRAM, and the tech support guy said, well, yes, they were aware that their eTap system was incompatible with several high end Italian frames. (Add Canada to that list for the Cervélo.) Why their website does not mention this is a bad thing.

And the tech support at Competitive Cyclist, as outstanding as it is, also was unaware of the incompatibility.

Conclusion: measure the braze on position on your frame, and if it is too high you'll have to go with Di7 if you want electronic shifters. Too bad, because the wireless feature on the SRAM is not only cool but makes installation child's play.

Comment on Elliot Krane's review:

Wow, thanks for the review, Elliot. I was thinking of putting eTap on my R2, but now I assume that might not work. My wife was also thinking of it for her S2 - better do some checking on that as well. Thanks for the heads-up.

Comment on Stephen H.'s comment:

Wireless Revolution

Familiarity: I've used it several times

Sram is known for innovation in cycling. Their Double Tap paddle shifters and ultra-light Red 22 were well received and often seen in pro peletons. Their latest offering is well worth the wait. E-Tap brings a welcome change to the world of electronic shifting. Although behind their competitors in terms of release dates, this group is light years ahead.

The ergonomics are what you may have come to expect from Sram, and the shifters feel great in your hands the first time you sit on the bike. There is a decidedly solid feel with each shift and the relay lag is almost imperceptible. A wireless platform is what drove Sram to create E-tap, and their creation has been tested, re-tested, and re-tooled to be secure, precise, and durable. Set-up is a breeze, battery life is great, and the design is flawless.

If you are looking to upgrade your existing Red build, this is an excellent option price wise. I would be happy to work with you and find the perfect build for your machine.

My Schedule is as follows: Mon-Thurs: 7am-530pm I can be reached at swall@backcountry.com, on Chat as Sean Z, or by phone at 801-736-6396 x 4739

Comment on Giles H.'s answer:

Worth the wait

Familiarity: I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Was lucky to get a gruppo at end of March. Feels very well-engineered - clearly SRAM put a lot of thought into it. Installation (of the gruppo) was easy, as advertised, although it took me longer than the supposed 15 mins to get it all dialed in. Front derailleur was a bit fiddly to get right, but figured it out and it mounts very sturdily (on a SRAM clamp) without any of the shims. Shifts are precise and very quiet. Adjustment (even on the go) with the function button/shifter is super-easy. No comment yet on battery life as have not had time. Only downside is that I was so excited that I inadvertently installed my brake cables on the wrong side (Euro-style), so now I have one bike set up with right/front brake and one with left/front. But that's not SRAM's fault!!

Comment on Giles H.'s answer:

Lives up to the hype!

Familiarity: I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

I pre-ordered my groupset in mid-January. Initially the shipping date was listed as Feb 5th, but it got pushed back to the 12th. Two days later I had eTap in my hands. I didn't have my bike built until last week and the weather's been foul, so I've done only a couple rides so far. Initial impressions are very favorable. Shifts are smooth and immediate. I love the ergonomics of the hoods and the positive/tactile click from every shift. It's those details along with the groupset's wireless nature that really set it apart from Di2.

Comment on Eugene's review:

Thank you for the review. I ordered mine in January as well, hoping the estimated delivery date of tomorrow is still feasible. It makes me almost cry to see the frame waiting to be rode sitting there in garage.

Have an answer for Brandan K.?

Looking for an update on the estimated delivery of the SRAM eTap. Those of us that ordered are eagerly awaiting the arrival, hopeful to have in time for race season. Original arrive date was 2/5 obviously that did happen, what is the latest update from SRAM?

Comment on Robert Smallman's answer:

I missed the opportunity to order the Sram Etap roadset last week when it showed 3 week delivery. now i see it is out of stock which suggests to me that the incoming stock is allocated. when next will stock be available in order to place an order

Comment on Ben Towery's answer:

I need the WiFLi™ set up, was ready to order today, until I saw the non compatible 11-32 specification. I played with these at the Interbike show here in Vegas and thought the initial pricing would be more expensive. For me, these certainly appear to be a game changer, I had a hard time letting go of these @ the Sram booth in the show.

I have been selling bicycles and parts to acquire the fund to purchase, and am disappointed there is not a WiFLi™ release.

11-28 is not enough gearing for my incline riding, and the MTB derailleur is also limited to 11-28.

Wondering if it is programming, or Flex in the derailleur that prevented an early WiFLi™ release?

Have an answer for Nic J?

Hi Nic! The front derailleur works just as the mechanical does, which many people run with non-Sram crank sets. I believe systems work best when they're paired with like components but as long as they're 11 speed, you shouldn't have an issue. Give me a shout directly if you have any other questions. Btowery@backcountry.com